Amputee services during post-earthquake Haiti: Research to analyze societal, limb, and programmatic factors around limb use in Haiti

1) To share key findings from research conducted that analyzes societal, limb and program factors that affect satisfaction of amputees in post-earthquake Haiti. 2) Quantitative data was collected through oral surveys, and qualitative data conducted through weekly phone interviews, 3) 272 amputees responded to oral surveys, and 60 amputees participated in weekly interviews 4) Societal – Following the earthquake there was a notable shift in the attitude of the population toward persons with physical disabilities. Before the earthquake, amputees were highly stigmatized. After the earthquake, amputees felt significantly more accepted by society. Limb - Walking over difficult terrain poses the most difficulty for amputees while wearing their prosthesis. Pain was attributed most often to the fit of the prosthesis and the need for adjustment of the limb. Cosmetic aspects of the limb are also important. Programmatic - 63% of amputees interviewed indicated they had seen more than one prosthetic provider. More than 50% of participants in the long-term survey stated that they went to an additional provider because it was recommended by a friend. Treating patients with respect outweighed all other satisfaction factors for selecting a provider, including proximity to their home and free transportation. 5) Service providers should focus on linkages to work opportunities, encouragement and education for amputees. Providers should recognize the significance of respectful patient treatment in patient satisfaction and limb use. Support groups in Haiti are highly effective, and should be a priority.